what are some pros and cons of tankless water heaters?

Answer 1

I sell, install, and service both standard gas water heaters as well as on demand gas units. Here are some points for you to ponder.

The initial investment of the on demand unit is higher. Depending on the hot water demands of the household the payback on the initial investment can vary but usually warrants the investment.

First and foremost, the on demand unit is efficient, it’s not heating water in and tank and maintaining that water at a particular temperature. Rather it heats water as it is being used. So, over time it’s using less gas to heat the water being used. But as addressed by others here, you actual water usage can increase.

The only con of the unit is if, and when a repair is needed on demand units, because of the compact design are somewhat difficult to work on. Even experienced service technicians find them time consuming to work on. The result is higher labor charges incurred for repairs. Also parts are not always on hand because of the nature of the units, so you may end up with extended down time if parts are on order.

Some suggestions would be, buy locally from a dealer that sells as well as services the unit. They will walk you through sizing the unit for your home and hot water requirements. I just have two brands that I, as well as my Tech’s are comfortable working on. We like the design and the backing in the parts dept. from the manufacturer. I stock parts for both brands and handle most repairs same day with very little down time for my customer.

On demand units are becoming more popular and more brands are making their way to the market, I’m not going to knock any particular brand, but I will say do your homework and research the unit you are interested in.

Again local service is a big plus, as I said I personally have two brands that I work with, and I will not service any other brand as of right now, not to say I won’t add other brands in the future. My last point is, do not even bother looking at an electric unit unless it is not going to service the whole house, and rather serve as a one sink water heater. Any other use of an electric on demand unit is inefficient.

Answer 2

Tankless heaters have pros and cons, just like everything else. They can supply an endless supply of hot water, and can save energy.

However, they are limited in the amount of hot water that can be produced at one time and they are more expensive to purchase than a conventional storage type water heater.

They also make it take longer for you to get your hot water, since they don't start heating the water until you turn on the faucet. This problem can be solved by using a specialized pump, which in combination with the tankless unit can get your hot water to you at less than half the time it would take running the faucet full blast.

The tankless water heaters also cause an increase in water wastage since you have to let the water run longer to get your hot water. This problem is also solved when using the specialized pumping system. Water conservation is an important advantage to the pumping system. One such system is the Chilipepper hot water pump. With it you get both water conservation and convenience benefits of faster hot water, and, an un-limited amount of hot water.


Tankless hot water heaters save energy and thus money. Water heating accounts for 20% or more of an average household’s annual energy expenditures. The yearly operating costs for conventional gas or electric storage tank water heaters average $200 or $450, respectively.

Storage tank-type water heaters raise and maintain the water temperature to the temperature setting on the tank (usually between 120° -140° F (49° -60° C). Even if no hot water is drawn from the tank (and cold water enters the tank), the heater will operate periodically to maintain the water temperature.

This is due to "standby losses": the heat conducted and radiated from the walls of the tank—and in gas-fired water heaters—through the flue pipe. These standby losses represent 10% to 20% of a household’s annual water heating costs.

Tankless units are common in Japan and Europe. They began appearing in the United States about 30 years ago. Unlike "conventional" storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters heat water only as it is used, or on demand. A tankless hot water heater has a heating device that is activated by the flow of water when a hot water valve is opened. Once activated, the heater delivers a constant supply of hot water. The output, however, limits the rate of the heated water flow.

Answer 3

i actually like my tankless gasoline water heater. i've got had it over a 365 days now. It makes use of roughly 40% much less gasoline a month. even regardless of the incontrovertible fact that the preliminary value is intense, you may get a $3 hundred tax credit on your income taxes. That facilitates. attempt to discover a kind that has an area provider contractor in case it tears up. you do not elect some inexperience yahoo engaged on it. Get the biggest length they have too, this is not that fairly extra and you would be able to furnish 2 baths, dishwasher, washer etc. all on the comparable time. stable success.

Answer 4

I used these when I was in India. They call them Guysers. They make hot water and quickly and can be shut down to save energy when not in use. They care kinda noisey and sound like a coffee pot with alot of gurgleing and bubbleing.
The water coming out of them is HOT HOT HOT that can be a problem with kids. or anyone else not cognitent enough not to get burned. They are not large and can be bolted to the wall So they conserve space. They work best for small hot water useage. Such as a bathroom with just a shower. OR someone who only does laundry once a week. IF you need alot of hot water and without having to turn the switch they are not for you.

Answer 5

Pro: you get an endless supply of hot water. You only use gas to heat the water when you are using the water. You save money on natural gas utility.
Cons: The heaters are expensive; at least $1,000. They are more expensive to install; maybe $500. You have to mount it on an outside wall, cut a hole in the wall for exhaust. Then connect all of the necessary utilities: gas, water, electric.